By Any Other Name?

Before the US Department of Labor established a unique standard occupational classification (SOC) for CHWs (SOC #21-1094) many employers gave their CHWs titles based on the needs of the organization or based on the tasks the CHW was expected to perform. Over the years, this led to a myriad of titles under which CHWs functioned. More importantly, it led to much confusion amongst CHWs themselves and their employers about the identity, character and scope of practice of CHWs.